Every woman must have been advised at least once that ‘you should know everything that is going on with your body.’ This usually happens when you start your menstrual cycle. That doesn’t mean that you go deep into learning all about gynaecology, but knowing about some common gynaecological problems that every woman could face is not a bad idea.
Below are listed some common gynaecological problems that you should know about:
1. Dysmenorrhea
It is a symptom of painful menstruation, and can be broadly classified into primary & secondary.
2. Primary dysmenorrhea
This is common menstrual cramps. The pain is felt in the lower abdomen or back while menstruating. It is such a common gynaecological problems that women don’t even realize it. The pain can be from mild to severe. You are able to feel the pain 2-3 days before or on the day your periods start and continues for one or two days. The pain generally decreases with growing age and can also stop entirely after a woman’s first pregnancy. Depends!
3. Secondary dysmenorrhea
The pain is caused by a disorder in a woman’s reproductive organs. These cramps generally start earlier in the menstrual cycle and last longer than the common menstrual cramps.
4. Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cyst is an accumulation of fluid or semi-solid substance within an ovary surrounded by a thin wall.
The most common type of an ovarian cyst is a follicular cyst. It is formed when a follicle (normal fluid filled sac that contains an egg) grows larger than usual during a woman’s menstrual cycle and does not open to release the egg. Usually, follicular cysts automatically resolve over a period of days to months.
Another kind of ovarian cyst that relates to a woman’s menstrual cycle is a corpus luteum cyst. The area of tissue that occurs within the ovary after an egg has been released from a follicle is called corpus luteum. The corpus luteum usually breaks down and disappears if the woman doesn’t get pregnant. However, the same may fill with fluid or blood and remain as a cyst on the ovary. Generally, this cyst is formed only on one side and resolves spontaneously.
5. Endometriosis
It is a common health problem in women, deriving its name from endometrium – the tissue that generally lines the uterus or womb. A woman develops endometriosis when the endometrium grows outside of the uterus and on other body parts where it does not belong.
Generally, endometriosis is found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, tissues that hold the uterus in place and on the outer surface of the uterus. However, it can also grow on the vagina, cervix, vulva, bowel, bladder and rectum. It is very rare that endometriosis grows on other parts of the body like lungs, brain and skin.
6. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)
PCOD is one of the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women, especially those of childbearing age.
As per the normal reproductive process in women, the ovaries produce follicles → these follicles grow to form eggs → eggs then reach into uterus for fertilization → when fertilization does not occur your menstrual cycle operates to take care of it.
But, in cases of PCOD the follicles created do not grow into egg, and as the ovaries continue to generate follicles it causes too many cysts in it. The deforming of eggs gives rise to the menstrual cycle and results in no fertilisation. Dysfunctioning of the ovaries results to the making of more male hormones, which in turn leads to excessive growth of hair or excessive hair fall.
These were some of the common gynaecological issues that a woman might face and should know about. To know more about them or to discuss any other gynaecological problems talk to our experts – Visit our website.
